Heath Ledger: 10 best film roles

Though Roland Emmerich’s epic film about the American War of Independence had
a hokey, melodramatic feel, Ledger performed competently in his first major
serious role. He played a stubborn, square-jawed young buck named Gabriel
Martin who joins the Continental Army against the wishes of his father (Mel
Gibson). Though Gibson’s masterful performance overshadows Ledger’s, The
Patriot was a stepping stone: Ledger’s smouldering frown and ability to
snugly pad out historical garb would be demonstrated to greater effect the
following year in his leading role in A Knight's Tale.